206 GRIFFITHS: NEW AND OLD SPECIES OF OPUNTIA 
rounding the prominent tuft of yellow spicules which are 2-3 m 
long, all but lower areoles bearing 1, 2, 3 or 4 delicate, fugacious 
spines 5-12 mm. long. 
This species secured in cultivation at Cardenas, Mexico, bears 
one of the finest fruits we have assembled in our entire collection. 
The species is characterized by its large, long, compact, glaucous 
joints and peculiarly colored fruits. At our Chico station it is not 
always hardy. We have, however, had plants of it fully 2 m. 
high with a spread of about equal dimensions. During the freeze 
of 1913 the plants went to the ground but we were able to save 
stock and at the present time (autumn, 1918) we have a number of 
individuals 2 meters in height and 2 meters in spread, loaded with 
fruit. One of the objections to the species in our plantations is 
its rather ungainly habit, which was overcome in the first planting 
made by a little pruning when the plants were young. No injury 
from cold has occurred excepting during the winter of 1913. 
In 1915 fruits of six of our best varieties were tested at Washington 
after shipment in mail packages from the Pacific coast. There 
was but one, which is probably an undescribed species, which scored 
ahead of this. The size, color, abundance and general attractive- 
ness of this fruit always attract attention in our plantation. 
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Explanation of plates 9 and 10 
PLATE 9 
OPUNTIA DIVERSISPINA Griffiths. Showing both current and previous years 
growth toward the end of the growing season. 
PLATE I0 
OPUNTIA MARITIMA Raf. Showing young and mature joints, green fruits and 
buds. 
